Responsible Gaming

Our approach to responsible gambling

Responsible gambling means making informed choices, setting personal boundaries and treating gambling as entertainment. Before you play, consider whether gambling is suitable for your circumstances, including your finances, time available and personal wellbeing. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never use money intended for rent, bills, food, education or other essential expenses.

Gambling outcomes are determined by chance. No strategy, pattern, system or previous result can guarantee a win. A losing session does not make a win more likely, and a winning session does not mean that future results will continue in the same way. Avoid chasing losses by increasing your bets or continuing to play in an attempt to recover money.

Golden Pokies Casino supports a balanced approach to online gambling. We aim to provide information and tools that can help players make considered decisions. We may also take steps to protect account holders, including requesting information about age or identity, applying account controls, reviewing activity where appropriate and restricting or closing an account when responsible gambling concerns arise.

You must only use gambling services where they are lawful for you to do so. You must meet the applicable minimum age requirement and provide accurate information when requested. Do not allow another person to use your account, and do not gamble on behalf of someone else. Keeping your account details private is an important part of maintaining control.

Gambling should not be used to

• Pay household bills or manage debt
• Replace employment income or solve financial difficulties
• Cope with stress, loneliness, sadness, anger or other difficult emotions
• Recover money already lost
• Impress other people or respond to pressure from friends
• Provide financial support to another person through your gambling

Set limits before you play

Planning your gambling in advance can make it easier to stay within boundaries. Decide how much money and time you are prepared to spend before starting a session. Once a limit has been reached, stop playing, even if you feel that a win may be close. Consider writing down your limits or discussing them with someone you trust so that they are clear and easier to follow.

Practical limits to consider

• A deposit limit that controls how much you add to your account over a selected period
• A spending or loss limit that reflects what you can comfortably afford to lose
• A session or time limit to prevent gambling for longer than planned
• A break reminder or reality check to help you review how long you have been playing
• A withdrawal plan that moves available winnings away from your gambling balance
• A rule not to deposit again after reaching your planned budget

Available safer gambling tools may vary according to the service, account type and applicable requirements. If a particular limit or control is available, read the information carefully before setting it. Some controls may take effect immediately, while others may apply after a stated period. A limit should be set at an amount you can maintain, rather than an amount designed to permit further gambling.

Keep track of both deposits and withdrawals, not only individual bets. Reviewing your activity can help you understand how much time and money you are spending. Bank statements, account history and personal budgeting tools may provide a more complete picture than memory alone. Do not rely on gambling wins when planning your regular expenses.

Good habits for a safer session

1. Set a budget and time limit before opening a game.
2. Use only your own money and keep your account secure.
3. Take regular breaks and avoid playing when tired, upset or affected by alcohol or other substances.
4. Do not borrow money, use credit intended for essentials or sell possessions to continue gambling.
5. Stop when your budget or time limit is reached.
6. Review your activity regularly and change your behaviour if gambling is becoming less enjoyable or harder to control.

Recognising gambling harm

Gambling harm can develop gradually. A person may not recognise a problem until it affects their finances, relationships, work, study or health. You do not need to wait until serious harm has occurred before taking a break or asking for help. If gambling feels difficult to control, support is available and seeking it is a sensible step.

Possible warning signs include

• Spending more money or time gambling than you intended
• Thinking about gambling frequently or feeling restless when you try to stop
• Chasing losses or returning to gamble after deciding to quit
• Increasing the amount of a bet to experience the same excitement
• Hiding gambling activity, deposits, losses or account statements from others
• Borrowing money, selling belongings or missing payments because of gambling
• Feeling anxious, guilty, irritable or distressed after gambling
• Gambling to escape personal problems or difficult feelings
• Arguing with family, friends or colleagues about gambling
• Missing work, study, appointments or important responsibilities
• Trying to stop several times without being able to do so
• Neglecting sleep, health, relationships or other activities you previously enjoyed

If any of these signs apply to you, stop gambling and consider contacting a qualified gambling support service. You can also speak with a trusted family member, friend, financial counsellor, general practitioner or mental health professional. Support can be useful even if you are unsure whether your gambling is a problem.

Steps you can take today

1. Stop playing and do not make another deposit while deciding what to do next.
2. Request a temporary break, account restriction or self-exclusion where available.
3. Remove saved payment methods and reduce access to funds used for gambling.
4. Tell someone you trust what is happening and ask them to help you stay accountable.
5. Review your finances and seek independent financial counselling if you have debts or missed payments.
6. Contact a gambling support service in your state or territory for confidential guidance.

Breaks, self-exclusion and getting support

A temporary break can be useful when you want time away from gambling without making a longer-term decision. A longer self-exclusion can provide stronger protection when gambling is causing concern. Depending on the service and applicable requirements, you may be able to request a break, restrict deposits, limit access or close your account for a selected period. Follow the instructions provided and do not create another account to avoid a restriction.

If you ask for an account restriction or self-exclusion because of gambling concerns, the request should be treated seriously. We may need to verify your identity before applying the request. A self-exclusion is intended to prevent gambling access for the agreed period, but it cannot replace professional support or address financial and personal issues on its own. Continue to seek independent help during the exclusion period.

In Australia, free and confidential gambling support may be available through national, state and territory services, community organisations, financial counsellors and health professionals. Gambling Help Online and local gambling support services can provide information, counselling and referral options. You can choose the service that best suits your situation, including telephone, online or face-to-face support where available.

If gambling has affected someone close to you, support is available for family members and friends as well as players. You can set boundaries around money, avoid lending funds for gambling and ask a professional service how to respond safely. Do not take responsibility for another adult's gambling or put your own financial security at risk.

Urgent assistance

If gambling or related financial stress has left you feeling unsafe, overwhelmed or at risk of harming yourself or another person, stop gambling and seek urgent help from local emergency services or a qualified crisis support service. If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency assistance in your location. Your safety is more important than any gambling account, balance or loss.

For questions about safer gambling tools or to request an account restriction, use the support options provided on the website. Do not hesitate to ask for help early. Taking a break, setting a limit or speaking with a support professional is a positive step towards keeping gambling within safe and manageable boundaries.